Do you find yourself outraged at this calender “error” wondering whether this is what society has come to, simply tacking on extra days at the drop of a hat? Are you annoyed with adults who proudly proclaim that they’re something ridiculous like 7-years-old because they were born on February 29? You, our friend, are confused about the leap day. Don’t feel bad, it happens to a lot of people, like the perplexed young woman in the video below. We’re here to help.

A leap day is an extra day added to a month to prevent a “drifting” of sorts in the calender because the earth does not orbit the sun in exactly 365 days. It typically only occurs every four years. The saying goes, leap years happen the same years as presidential elections and the Olympics.

So what would happen without said leap year? Probably not much of anything in your lifetime. However, if the calender always had the same number of days, the months and their corresponding seasons would eventually be off. We can’t go having sunshine and heat in December, now can we?

Now to the rare sect of “leap year babies,” people who happened to be born on February 29. Despite their ramblings about being one-quarter of their real age, these people do, in fact, age each year — but they only have an official “birthday” once every four years. Big deal.
 

There are traditions associated with leap years in some cultures. In Britain and Ireland, it’s deemed the only time a woman can propose, per the moderately entertaining Amy Adams movie Leap Year.  If the man refuses, as tradition goes, he must pay her some sort of compensation ranging from fabric to money, depending on the country.

Clearly, nobody explained the leap year to this poor, poor girl before she went and posted on YouTube.

The post What is a leap year? We’ll tell you! appeared first on Metro.us.

MoMA design store at Grand Central Terminal
MoMA ‘s first pop-up shop at Grand Central Terminal’s Holiday Fair lets last-minute shoppers pick up goodies from a selection of tightly edited pre-wrapped gifts, ornaments, greeting cards and more.
Through Dec. 24
Grand Central Station, Vanderbilt Hall, 42nd Street and Park Avenue,
www.grandcentralterminal.com

Alesssi at Dekalb Market
The Italian kitchen and housewares company’s pop-up will feature gifts such as coffee makers, stainless steel spaghetti measures, purse hooks, spoon rests, chili crushers and more.
Through Dec. 31
138 Willoughby St., Brooklyn, www.dekalbmarket.com

Sant-A-Box at Dekalb Market
Forget the boring old mall Santa — take your tikes to Sant-A-Box. Visit Santa on weekends to pose with him in an eco-friendly, repurposed shipping container designed to look like a winter wonderland. On weekdays, grab one of the market’s costumes and snap your own shots.
Through Dec. 24
138 Willoughby St., Brooklyn, www.dekalbmarket.com

Warby Parker market
An old garage space in SoHo has been transformed into a holiday shopping experience. Inside, shoppers will find stylish eyeglasses from NYC-based frames-sellers Warby Parker.
Through Jan. 8
45 Grand St.,
www.warbyparker.com

The post Guide to Holiday pop-up shops appeared first on Metro.us.

1. It gets cold out there when he’s playing Paul Bunyan in the woods. L.L.Bean Two-layer Union Suit, $55, www.llbean.com

2. Bald? Fashion fade? Keep his head protected with Jack Spade’s 100-percent wool, hand-knit Alpine Hat. $145, www.jackspade.com


3. You can steal these. Richer Poorer Socks, $12 each or $30 for three pairs, www.richer-poorer.com

4. Every sharp man needs a trench in his wardrobe. Uniqlo +JBlock Tech Half Coat, $200, www.uniqlo.com

5. Here’s the start to the perfect cozy outfit. Men’s Striped Crew Neck Pullover, $20; Men’s Shawl-collar Cardigan, $70, www.oldnavy.com

6. Add some wrist candy. Brera Orologi for Carlos Campos, $695, www.carloscampos.com

7. You didn’t splurge on boots, but these laces will keep him looking   dapper. hook + ALBERT laces, $14, www.hookandalbert.com

8. He has no excuse not to get in touch. This handy charger refuels up to four devices simultaneously. Roll-up travel charger, $50, www.restorationhardware.com

9. Cleanse his personal space of dust, germs and the smell of Doritos with Sharp’s new air purifier. Sharp IG-A10U, $299, www.sharpusa.com


10. This mobile scanner (aka his new office secretary) can digitally scan and file receipts, business cards and other documents. The software organizes key information. The Neat Company NeatReceipts, $150, www.neat.com

11. Your surfer can hang ten anywhere.  Quicksilver’s award-winning Moondak watch comes with 15 years of pre-programmed tide data for 200 spots around the world. $85, www.quiksilver.com

12. A sleek and ergonomic chef’s knife for all the meals he’ll be preparing for you. Zwilling J.A. Henckels 8-inch chef’s knife, $120, www.williams-sonoma.com

13. This sleek water jug removes impurities from his drinking water and even holds its own sitting
alongside a fine bottle of whiskey. Bobble Jug, $30, www.waterbobble.com

14.  For your bon vivant: This collection includes classic songs from 1920s blues to modern hip-hop, along with truffles made with the popular ingredient from each era. Vosges Haut Chocolate Groove
Truffle collection, $125, www.vosgeschocolate.com


15. A hip and warm sleeping bag for when he hightails it to the mountains. L.L. Bean Flannel-lined Camp Sleeping Bag, $70, www.llbean.com


16. Everything tastes better with bubbles. iSi Twist ‘N Sparkle Soda Maker, $50, www.twistnsparkle.com

17. He can fool the world behind these shades. No one will suspect what a big dork he really is. Persol PO30085, $360, www.sunglasshut.com

18. This software, created by a team of neuroscientists, helps exercise brain muscles and counteracts all the time he spends watching SPIKE TV. Pro Mental Coach, $140, www.promentalcoach.com

19. An energy-efficient house equals one proud dad. The Modlet helps reduce the electricity consumed by appliances  and saves 10 to 20 percent on electric bills. ThinkEco Modlet, $50, www.thinkeco.com

20. Golf junkies put Bridgestone among the best in quality equipment. The J40 Cavity Back forged irons will set him apart from the crowd, with scores to match. $700-$800, www.bridgestonegolf.com

Books for foodie dudes

Get him in the kitchen, where he belongs

1. His living room just turned into a speakeasy — so long, vodka-cranberry! The PDT Cocktail Book, $25, www.amazon.com

2. He drinks this stuff like it’s water, so he might as well learn how to brew a batch. Brooklyn Brew Shop’s Beer Making Book, $14, www.amazon.com

3. Cupcakes with bacon and whiskey! These are his kinds of desserts. The Butch Bakery Cookbook, $20, www.wiley.com

The post Gifts for him: Man up and buy him one of these appeared first on Metro.us.

According to a recent poll by Consume Reports, the thing 35 million Americans dread the most during the holidays is “having to be nice.”

What a bunch of Grinches, we are!

On one hand we get it. The holidays can be overwhelming. Having to see and share a meal with crazy aunts and moody teenage cousins is a lot to handle. Answering questions about what you’re doing with your life, and if this “whole journalism thing will work out for you” (direct quote from said crazy aunt) and if you’re still single (again, nutty aunt) can be demoralizing.

It’s the holidays, though! Being nice shouldn’t be stressful. Those magical meals your mom whips together are enough to get your through dinner. It’s also the one time of the year you can listen to cheesy music guilt free by calling yourself ‘festive.’

The obvious question, though, is shouldn’t we always be nice? Why is it particularly stressful in December?

Here is the breakdown of the Consumer Reports poll on what stresses people out during the holidays.

    1.   Crowds and long lines: 68 percent
    2.   Gaining weight: 37 percent
    3.   Getting into debt: 37 percent
    4.   Gift shopping: 28 percent
    5.   Traveling: 25 percent
    6.   Seeing certain relatives: 24 percent
    7.   Seasonal music: 23 percent
    8.   Disappointing gifts: 19 percent
    9.   Having to attend holiday parties or events: 16 percent
    10.   Having to be nice: 15 percent
    11.   Holiday tipping: 12 percent

What stresses you out?

The post Americans’ biggest worry: Being nice during the holidays appeared first on Metro.us.

Nationwide, holiday parties are in a slump – but in New York City, venues are lining up the shot glasses.

“We definitely have seen a change this year,” said Laura Altman at Bowlmor Lanes.  “People aren’t really holding back.”
 
After a three-year drought, Conde Nast heralded the return of its lavish holiday luncheon at the Four Seasons. After 2008, in the midst of the recession, the company nixed the luncheon.
 
As employers edge back into reveling, parties are nowhere near pre-recession levels – no polar bear requests, event planner Sarah Pease joked.

Early requests are for bars made out of ice and ice sculptures, event planners said. Others choose to host in their offices. Sarah Pease of Brilliant Event Planning said one client’s in-house $300,000 party includes an “Around the World” theme with Italian and Latin American rooms.

Swank Productions CEO Maya Kalman, said her advertising, law and finance clients are booking places like The Plaza Hotel.

“I think the open bar is definitely back,” she said.
 
New York is bucking a dismal national trend: Crains reported that the number of companies nationwide hosting holiday bashes has reached its lowest point in recent years.

Yet venues like Gotham Hall and the Trump Soho reported bumps in bookings.
 
At Bowlmor Lanes, party reservations are up 25 percent, and their calendar filled up a month ago. Last year, money-cautious companies waited until December to commit, Altman said.
 
“People have more money this year,” she said. “People definitely aren’t as budget-conscious this year as they were last year.”
 
 Holiday sex

A new South African report suggests that holiday drinking contributes to higher rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. The article, in the Sowetan, quotes a gynecologist who said women often come to him in January after party season flings.  Diseases and pregnancies – especially among teenagers –  escalate after the holiday bump, the article said.
 
Trimming more than a tree

Even as they bring back five-figure events, some hosts still trim the budget.
 
“People are definitely bargain shopping,” said Mario Stewart, president of event planning company EMRG Media.

Some Trump Soho partiers opt for an iPod instead of a DJ, said a Trump spokeswoman.
 
One client bartered radio ads for a discount, Stewart said. Another got a half-price deal by booking Thursday afternoon.
 
“They basically got a party that might be valued at $15,000 for maybe half the price,” he said.

And some staffers will uncork champagne in the afternoon. Employers are booking daytime parties at places like the Bowlmor.

Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @AlisonatMetro.

The post Lavish office parties make a comeback appeared first on Metro.us.

The boss factor
Should you even give your supervisor a gift? It depends. “Assess it the same way as that aunt you see once a year,” advises Wolfe.  “What’s the relationship? Can you name the things outside the office that your boss likes? If not, then you don’t know this person well enough to give them a gift.”
While Wolfe does recommend homemade gifts or baked goods for closer peers, she discourages them for bosses — these can be interpreted as either intimate or unprofessional, neither of which you’re going for.

Beware of the gag gift
Increasingly, Wolfe sees offices encouraging gag gifts as part of “Secret Santa” or Pollyanna-style giving to alleviate pressure. But, she warns, this comes with its own set of problems. “A lot of offices do this, and it tends to make people uncomfortable and turn into teasing,” she says. “When you target gifts like this, stick with something very neutral. Go with something you might give a child, so that’s why it’s a gag.” Meaning, no cigars for the guy who is always on a smoke break, no watches for the co-worker who is always late, and no booze for the girl who can’t say no to happy hour.

On the wording
Wishing someone “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Hanukkah” is perfectly fine, provided you’re sure that’s what the person celebrates. If there’s a question, go with “Happy Holidays,” even if it can sound stuffy. “In an office environment, handle it like you would in a public school,” says Wolfe. “If you’re uncertain how to say something, ‘happy holidays’ is a great neutral thing to say.”

Never give …
Wolfe is a fan of the iTunes gift card, where $10 can go a long way in getting someone through a long Monday morning. But whatever you do, don’t give these:
   
Perfume and jewelry
“Perfume or jewelry are sort of intimate — it says that you’re paying attention,” cautions Wolfe. “If it’s something not generic enough that a guy or a girl could equally enjoy, it’s probably a little too personal.”
   
Scented items
Many people are allergic to artificial scents or are just very particular about which ones they like. Again, cautions Wolfe, some people could interpret these as conveying intimacy — scents are personal.
   
Anything religious
Generic holiday ornaments and greeting cards are fine, but stay away from anything that’s directly faith-related.

The post To give or not to give at work appeared first on Metro.us.

»On this day in 1689, the former King James II began the Siege of Derry. Celebrate this by inflaming local religious tensions!

»On this day in 1810, the governor of Caracas declared independence from Spain. Celebrate this by whipping up a delicious plate of Pabellón criollo and refusing to share with anyone from Spain!

»On this day in 1836, Congress created the Wisconsin Territory. Celebrate this by wearing a badger headdress, the traditional headgear of all Wisconsinites!

»On this day in 1862, Louis Pasteur and Claude Bernard create the first pasteurization tests. Celebrate this by chugging a gallon of milk and then bragging about how healthy you are!

»On this day in 1916, the Chicago Cubs played their first game at what would later become Wrigley Field. Celebrate this by watching all 13 episodes of the 1997 Jason Bateman sitcom "Chicago Brothers," which was set in an apartment overlooking the field!

»On this day in 1920, Supreme Court justice John Paul Stevens was born. Celebrate this by wearing your finest bow tie and writing a dissenting opinion of the issue of applying contemporary community standards to the Internet!

»On this day in 1939, Billie Holliday recorded "Strange Fruit," the first Civil Rights anthem. Celebrate this by playing the song very loud in your office and explaining to everyone you’re celebrating a "Billie Holiday"!

»On this day in 1961, the Bay of Pigs Invasion failed. Celebrate this by finding a Kennedy, and embarrassing them!

»On this day in 1972, Apollo 16 landed on the moon. Celebrate this by doing something that was groundbreaking three years ago!

The post 4/20: Fun ways for nonsmokers to celebrate appeared first on Metro.us.

Metro hasn’t gone down that path — all real stories from us today — but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the humorous work of others! A rundown of today’s best pranks:

»Britain’s Guardian, long one of Britain’s loudest voices against the monarchy, announced that it was turning its back on republicanism and fully embracing the Royal Family, starting with a Royal Wedding live-blog. Trust us, this is funny!

»Hulu, meanwhile, has turned the clock back 15 years to imagine what the popular video site would have looked like in 1996. The answer: low-bit images, scrolling text and plenty of frames. On the plus side, Hulu is also spotlighting the best of its ’90s archive, featuring episodes of "NewsRadio," "The Dana Carvey Show" and "Kids in the Hall."

»But the funniest pranks of the day come from Google, who have gone absolutely joke-crazy. (Seriously. Someone should check in with them to see if they’re OK.) First, they unveiled this search Easter egg: If you Google fancy font "Helvetica" today, your results will show up in horrendous Comic Sans.

Then the search giant offered Gmail users the chance to sign up for Gmail Motion, a new Wii-style application that allows users to read and compose mail just by moving their body:

And, if that wasn’t enough, they also offered a look inside the life of a Google Autocompleter, one of the anonymous web drones who finishes searches for you in real time:

Aww. We love you, Google! Well, not really, because you’re a corporation. But if you were a person, we would totally love you! (via PC World)

The post April Fools! The day’s best pranks appeared first on Metro.us.

Follow Emily Anne Epstein on Twitter at @EmilyAtMetro.

The post New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade: Leprechauns unleashed appeared first on Metro.us.

Metro takes stock:

Green felt top hats: The top hat was first adopted amongst Europe’s dandies in the 1790s; aprocryphally, hatmaker John Hetherington introduced them to London in 1800. There’s nothing to suggest that the Irish didn’t wear them, but there’s also nothing to suggest that they were particular fans. NOT IRISH.

Fake red beards: Fake beards are believed to have originated with Egyptian pharaohs. However, the Irish do have among the highest percentage of redheads in Europe. HALF-CREDIT.

Irish flag: The Irish tricolor was adopted as the official flag of Irish independence in 1919. The green represents the island’s Gaelic population, the orange represents the Protestant planters (who supported William of Orange) and the white purportedly represents the peace and harmony between them — hey, they couldn’t predict the future. IRISH.

Guinness: Arthur Guinness, original brewer of the stout, was born in County Kildare and operated out of Dublin. IRISH.

Coors Light: The Coors brewing company was founded by a German immigrant in Colorado in the 1870s. Sorry, high-schoolers! NOT IRISH.

Shamrock stickers, worn on cheeks: The shamrock has been a symbol of Ireland for centuries — though reports that Saint Patrick used them to illustrate the Holy Trinity are probably specious. It has traditionally been worn on the lapel (or, in the case of Irish Guards, in their headdresses), and never on one’s face. IRISH, BUT TACKY

"Kiss Me, I’m Irish" shirts: WikiAnswers suggests that this is a reference to the Blarney Stone and if you can’t believe them, who can you believe? "Grope Me, I’m Irish" though, is just gross. HALF-CREDIT, IF YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE IT

The post Where your St. Patrick’s Day regalia actually comes from appeared first on Metro.us.

In the Roman calendar, the Ides signified the middle of the month: the 15th of March, May, July and October, and the 13th of all other months. (Aside: The Roman calendar was weird.) Of course, March is the only one we care about, for good reason: That’s when Julius Caesar was killed, after apocryphally ignoring a warning to “beware the Ides of March.” That murder eventually led to a civil war that led to Octavian seizing power, which in turn led to the Roman Empire!

So it all worked out, in retrospect.

How are you celebrating the Ides of March? Some ideas:

» Voice your concerns to your local government, just like the Roman Senators who killed Caesar. Only instead of using knives, use a very polite letter!

» Brush up on your Latin! Go around saying “Et tu, Brutus?” to everyone you suspect of betraying you.

» Catch up on HBO’s “Rome” on Netflix and then not stop talking about how it’s so much better than “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”

» Hit on your dead friend’s ex-girlfriend.

» Make these delicious-looking Ides of March Bloody Caesar cupcakes seen on The Hairpin!

What are you going to do?

The post The Ides of March: How are you going to celebrate? appeared first on Metro.us.